Xylophone

I used these plans to build this xylophone for my four year old son. This is the first project I have ever made using metric measurements and to my surprise, I found it much easier! I mitered the corners of the box so that way the grain of the wood continues around the box. I did not use any mechanical fasteners in the construction except for those holding the keys in place.

The keys are made of Honduran Rosewood, the box of figured Prima Vera, and the handles, decorative inlay, & drum sticks of Gabon Ebony. The drumsticks and handles are embellished with Swarovski, emerald crystals. I finished the box with eight coats of Behlen’s stringed instrument lacquer and the keys with Behlen’s fingerboard oil.

It was a fun project to make and one that will be a family heirloom. My son and I both enjoy playing it as the sound is fantastic!

Made of rosewood !! For a great sound i think? Do you made plans ? and if are you prepared to share them. How did you do the tuning (I don,t know if tuning is the right word but I hope you do understand the meaning) ? By sanding? or sawing? Nice to read that you are liked the metric measurements. For making my Jeep I used fractional plans and I could not understand the benefits. I asked do you made plans but when this is the first time with metric measerment I think you have bought the plans? And If where.

Thank you for all the nice comments. It was fun and different to make.

Yes indeed the keys are made of Honduran Rosewood for the most optimal sound. Each bar was specifically tuned by sanding the back side of the bar. The plans (click here) detail the process for sanding.